Project Summary:
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a model of care that recognizes the impact of trauma on a person’s life and well-being. TIC is guided by four pillars:
- Realizing the widespread impact of trauma and its effects
- Recognizing the signs of trauma
- Having a system responsive to trauma
- Resisting re-traumatization
Exposure to trauma and other adversity can greatly impact health and the way people interact with the healthcare system, especially family planning (FP) and sexual health services. WI health disparities in FP/STI care are influenced by a combination of systemic, economic, and social factors that result in uneven access to care across different communities.
According to the UW-Madison Collaborative for Reproductive Equity, Black women are two times more likely to have an unintended pregnancy due to systemic barriers (lack of access to FP, mistrust of the medical system, provider bias). The WI STI Surveillance Report (2023) highlights that Black residents are disproportionately affected by STIs, and small rural counties have the state’s highest rates of STIs. HCET aims to support TIC as standard practice across all publicly funded WI STI/FP clinics through the implementation of a comprehensive staff training program.
TIC will increase health equity in WI by addressing the root causes and effects of trauma that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. TIC impacts include promoting trust between provider and patient, reducing barriers to accessing care, empowering patients in decision-making, helping providers recognize trauma triggers, and improving patient satisfaction. Impact can extend to the FP/STI workforce by reducing burnout and compassion fatigue, improving patient interactions, enhancing empathy and communication skills, building a supportive workplace culture, and promoting resilience practices among a workforce with high turnover.